How To Get A Bursary

Obtaining a bursary gets harder each year as more students compete for the same opportunities.

While there is no way to guarantee that you are selected there are a few things that you can do to improve your chances.

Apply early

Don't wait till you reach your matric  year to look for financial aid opportunities.

By the time you enter Grade 10 you should have started to think seriously about potential careers.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced the completion of all assessments of the 2019 applications of first time students.

In a statement issued, the scheme said of the 417 000 applications received, more than 300 000 students have been given the stamp of approval, pending registration at public institutions for NSFAS funded qualifications.

In December, NSFAS Administrator Randall Carolissen called for a review of the 109 000 applications that were initially unsuccessful for the 2019 academic year. 

1. What is the difference between a Bursary and a Scholarship?

Are you looking for ways to fund your studies? Perhaps an academic bursary is the answer to your financial worries. While financial grants are not easy to come by, it is worth every penny. Academic bursaries can be found in almost every field of study from engineering to journalism. These bursaries can be sponsored by private companies, universities or government departments. The number of bursaries made available by each entity varies. Companies in a particular sector are more likely to fund study programmes in that sector.

Are you gifted in a certain sport?

You could capitalize on your talents and hard work by applying for a sports bursary.

A sports bursary is different to an academic bursary in that it is only awarded to individuals who have achieved in one or more sporting activities.

This enables students who are not necessarily academically-minded to gain access to a higher education.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially tested the improved online application system which is aimed at improving the time at which users take in applying for funding.

“This is an effort to showcase the improved efficient process. The aim and focus was to make the online application system simpler for applicants, with the process shorter and reactive, providing feedback to the applicants within a week,” NSFAS said.

Every bursary contract has a criteria that must be met by the prospective student in order to apply. Requirements can include elements like location, age or academic achievement. If you are thinking of applying for financial aid here are some common bursary requirements that you will have to meet first.